Tag: competition

¡SALUD! Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Patron raise a glass to Cinco de Mayo and it’s Courtyard launch

Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining venue, is excited to announce the grand launch of its Courtyard in partnership with Patrón Tequila – one of the world’s leading tequila brands.   

The launch will coincide with the beloved Cinco de Mayo celebration, taking place tomorrow (Friday, 5th May) between 5pm-10pm followed by an entire weekend of thrilling festivities on the Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May between 3pm – 10pm.  

The Eve Courtyard is set to be a haven of blissful entertainment and delight, offering guests the opportunity to relax in the warm glow of the sun while sipping on tantalizing tequila creations and indulging in traditional Mexican small plates, known as ‘Botanas’, curated exclusively for the Courtyard launch.  

Patrón Tequila has transformed the Courtyard into a homage to its Mexican roots and tequila-making tradition, providing an exclusive food menu that includes Lamb Shoulder Barbacoa Taco and Smoked Mushroom Taco. We will also provide a selection of Margarita and Paloma cocktails crafted with Patrón Silver, offering guests the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.  

As the sun sets and the stars come out, the Courtyard will come alive with the sounds of live music from Los Chichanos and Pilgrims Society, two vibrant and energetic bands that bring the party to Edinburgh’s late-night fiestas. With performances all weekend long, they will elevate guests’ experience with an unforgettable soundtrack to their weekend.   

There will also be pinatas bursting with prizes and Mexican bingo for some friendly competition, to name but a few. Plus, Patrón popcorn and frozen cocktails will be on offer to keep guests cool and refreshed.   

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant spirit of Mexico to life at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh with our Eve Courtyard launch event in partnership with Patrón for Cinco de Mayo. 

“It’s an exciting celebration with delicious cocktails and food that will transport guests to the flavours of Mexico. But that’s not all – we have surprises and delights planned all weekend, including the chance to win an overnight luxury stay in Sir Richard Branson’s flat. It’s going to be a weekend filled with fun, festivities, and unforgettable experiences.”  

For more information about Eve’s Courtyard, please visit:
https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/event/cinco-de-mayo/all/ 

Cinco de Mayo is just one of many events hosted Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting. Eve will be host of many seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year with Patron taking over the Eve Courtyard for the next 3 months of summer. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Eve channels on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh 
    @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter@virginhotelsedi 

Just two days left to win a year’s supply of flowers and cash prize

To celebrate the start of spring, a new competition has been launched giving you the chance to win a year’s worth of flowers plus £1,000. 

Winners will receive the cash prize as well as a lavish bouquet delivered to their door every month for an entire year. 

The Farmhouse Inns competition, in partnership with online florist Prestige Flowers, comes as the nation prepares for a “truly incredible show” of spring blossom, according to the National Trust. 

Meanwhile, we’re now enjoying brighter mornings and evenings after the clocks went forward on Sunday (March 26th). 

For the chance to win, simply head to the Farmhouse Inns website here and fill in the online form. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by Friday 14th April.

The competition closes at 12:00 on Friday 31st March. To enter and for full terms and conditions, please visit go to the Farmhouse Inns website here. 

To find your local Farmhouse Inns, visit https://www.farmhouseinns.co.uk/find-us/

Edinburgh dance school grabs top awards at major UK competition

Pupils and instructors at Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) have taken top honours at a prestigious British Isles dance competition staged in Blackpool over the weekend.

The highly-regarded dance school – whose past pupils include the 2019 winner of BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, Ellie Fergusson – was named as the Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland for the second year running at the Dance Inspirations event.

EDA’s Jenni Inglis (above) also won the Most Inspirational Choreography award for the second year in a row and EDA dancer Kiera Anderson received top prize in the Most Dedication, Passion and Talent award category.

The Dance Inspirations competition featured over a total of 3000 acts from over 100 dance schools from across the UK and Ireland in their regional heats ahead of the final in Blackpool, where a total of 317 acts competed for the top prize.

Several EDA dancers also picked up accolades for their performances including being named Overall Winner and taking 1st place for their contemporary piece “Shout” by Empara Mi.

The winning group secured £1000 prize money for their award-winning routine with the proceeds going towards funding their trip to represent Scotland in the Dance World Cup competition being staged in Portugal in June.

Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “I’m so proud of Jenni and our fantastic dancers who all performed incredibly in this highly competitive event.

“Achieving this success across so many categories for the second year really underlines the commitment and dedication of both our pupils and our team.

“We now look forward to taking part in June’s Dance World Cup in Portugal where EDA competitors will proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”

Winners of SkillBuild construction ‘skills Olympics’ announced

Skill Build Granton Campus Pic Peter Devlin

The winners of the SkillBuild National Finals 2022 have been announced, after nearly 80 construction trainees went head-to-head over three days.

SkillBuild, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) in partnership with WorldSkills UK and offers a chance for trainees to compete in a bid to be crowned winner of their chosen trade.

Following the Regional Qualifiers, which were held at various colleges across the UK earlier this year, the National Finals took place at Edinburgh College on 15 – 17 November. The event attracted roughly 1,000 school visitors from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, exhibiting the variety of skills and career opportunities available within the industry.

SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and as competitors progress through each stage, they are tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment.

The competition is viewed by many as an opportunity to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills, along with the potential for the highest-scoring eligible competitors to join ‘Squad UK’ and compete internationally.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to have been able to attend yet another year of SkillBuild, my favourite day in the calendar. It’s fantastic to meet all the talented individuals and hear about their career aspirations.

“It’s so important that we support this next generation of talent coming through to industry, encouraging them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

“It’s initiatives like SkillBuild that really make a huge difference and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s competition possible. Many congratulations to all the winners and everyone who competed, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all the medal winners. It is a fantastic achievement, and we hope their success will inspire more people to consider an apprenticeship and technical training as a route to great career success.  

“Using insights gained from our competition-based programmes, we work with our partners to raise standards in training, helping to drive economic growth across the UK.”   

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in what has been a wonderful week, a truly inspirational platform of talent from across the UK.

“It has been a privilege for us to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals with SkillBuild and to welcome so many people from colleges and training providers across the UK.

“We have seen an incredibly high standard of skills performance from all competitors, which will be of inspiration to the many young people we had through our doors to spectate. We hope this has opened many eyes to careers in the Construction sector, and indeed to the benefits of competing in skills events such as these.

“Congratulations to all the winners and medallists, and our thanks to all who have made this a fantastic experience for our College.”

The winners from SkillBuild are:

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Bricklaying

Gold – Jago Gamblin

Silver – James T-Coleman

Bronze – Shaun Baker


Carpentry

Gold – Andrew Elam

Silver – Ben Price

Bronze – Robin Luscombe

Highly Commended – Eliot Duff

Highly Commended – Osian James


Foundation Skills: Woodworking

Gold – Sam Johnson

Silver – Oliver Sayers

Bronze – Dantina Gillett

Highly Commended – Adam Szewc

Highly Commended – Matthew McCarthy


Furniture and Cabinet Making

Gold – Isaac Bingham

Silver – Conor Ellis

Joint Bronze – Ciaran Baggot & Thomas Knowles


Joinery

Gold – Harry Scolding

Silver – Jack Corner

Bronze – Dion Evans


Painting and Decorating

Gold – Jade Oakes

Silver – Hattie Parnham

Bronze – Jacqui Hawthorne

Highly Commended – Joshua Thompson

Highly Commended – Paul Mason


Plastering

Gold – Jordan McQuillan

Silver – Thomas Devine

Bronze – Joshua Woosnam

Highly Commended – Kieran Rowarth


Plastering and Drywall Systems

Gold – Zara Dupont

Silver – Hugh Treanor

Bronze – Prince Senyah

Highly Commended – Ben Henry

Highly Commended – Ashley Carragher


Roof Slating and Tiling

CITB Skill Build Pic Peter Devlin

Gold – Jordan Maley

Silver – Jacob Blight

Bronze – Kyron Sharlotte

Highly Commended – Aeron Murray


Stonemasonry

Gold – Luke Maher

Silver – Douglas Stevens

Bronze – Marlene Lagnado

Highly Commended – James Lewis


Wall and Floor Tiling

Gold – Conor Nugent

Silver – Morgan Nutt

Bronze – Aaron Brady


CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include Alford Awards, Albion Stone, BAL, British Gypsum, Institute of Carpenters, Crown Paints, Dickies, Nicholls & Clarke, NFRC, Schluter, SPAX, Stone Federation, TARMAC, The Tile Association, The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and Weber.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in next year’s competition, visit Go Construct for more information.

Pictures: Pete Devlin

Brighton student Sarah wins award for UK’s dirtiest university digs 

  • The UK’s grimmest student houses revealed: Brighton flat crowned the messiest in nationwide search 
  • Winner and runners up revealed in UK’s messiest student competition  

 
A female student from Brighton University has been crowned the UK’s messiest as part of a nationwide competition. 

20-year-old Sarah, who is studying PGCE, sent in pictures of her kitchen in a state of carnage, which she shares with her four flatmates, after a wild night out. 

She has been crowned the UK’s messiest student as part of a photo competition by insurance providers, SO-SURE, and has now been awarded a £200 Just Eat voucher, which should hopefully help her avoid the washing up. Here is her winning entry, as well as a roundup of five of the worst offending pictures from across the UK: 

1.     Sarah, 20, Brighton University  

A picture containing indoor, kitchen, floor, cluttered Description automatically generated

Mmmm floor pizza! And a kettle in the sink?!

This sight is not something you want to have to deal with after a heavy night on the tiles. The sheer volume of chaos in this picture earned Sarah and her pals the £200 food voucher, so they can add a few more takeaway boxes to the collection!.  

2.       Natasha, 21, Derby University 

A cat sitting on a pile of clothes Description automatically generated with low confidence

 
Natasha, a student from the University of Derby, is a little behind on her laundry, oh well, floorspace is overrated any way. Extra points for spotting her opportunist cat who hopes she doesn’t find the washing machine any time soon.  

3.     Josh, 19, Nottingham Trent University  

A picture containing indoor, window, floor, cluttered Description automatically generated

Josh from Nottingham Trent University shared this spectacular image, can you spot his house mate amongst the mess? Looks like the two of them have a lot of cleaning to do on a hangover… 

4.       Jack, 19, Oxford Brookes University 

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We’re not 100% sure how Jack, from Oxford Brookes University, manages to get around his room. Clothes, bedding, and dodgy meal deals everywhere, it’s ok though, at least he has incense sticks.  

5.       Cassie,  20, Bournemouth University 

A picture containing indoor, messy, cluttered, clothes Description automatically generated

Maximising wardrobe space by leaving everything on the floor, this ‘messy gal’ is one step ahead of us all. It can’t be easy finding an outfit in that pile of clothes. 

6.       Max, 21, Cardiff University  

A picture containing indoor, cluttered Description automatically generated

Finally, someone found the bin bags! Looks like the clean-up of Max’s living room has already started here, what could it have looked like before?! Stella, Greggs, and Red Stripe, a classy combo and student staple.  

If you haven’t got your fill of messy student accommodation, you can find even more entries on the SO-SURE blog. 

Senior Marketing Manager, Gabriel Cabral at SO-SURE, commented:   “We often hear students have a reputation for messy flats and a party lifestyle. And  so, we wanted to put this to the test and find some of the filthiest in the UK.

“We wanted to give the winners of the messiest accommodation a takeaway voucher, so they can treat themselves to a takeaway after a good old tidy. We had some great entries, from universities all over the UK, but Sarah’s kitchen in Brighton is definitely a worthy winner!” 

Bethany wins Blue Peter Competition to design satellite logo for first launch

A 12-year-old from Hampshire has been named the winner of Blue Peter’s Awesome Orbit competition to design an emblem that will go on one of the first satellites to launch from the UK this summer.

Bethany Turner, from Alresford, appeared live on Friday’s (20th May) episode of Blue Peter, joining wthe presenters in the studio as her ‘Earth Sitter’ emblem was named the winner. Bethany wants satellites to help in measuring the melting of the polar ice caps and monitoring deforestation, to discover when trees have been felled and where new seedlings need to be planted to prevent global warming.

The programme also featured 2nd place runner up Adam, aged 13 from Lancashire, who designed “The Ace of Space” that could be used to help repair broken satellites, and 3rd place runner up, Ava, aged 7 from Pembrokeshire, whose ecologically focused design “Where Bees Belong” could help search for land that needs more flowers for bees. Adam and Ava will have their names engraved on the satellite, along with 27 runners up.

British ESA astronaut Tim Peake launched the competition, which was supported by the UK Space Agency, in October 2021 to give young people across the UK the opportunity to design an emblem and come up with ideas for how satellites could be used to help people in the future.

Bethany said: “It felt amazing when I found out I had won, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it. For my design I thought if we could scan the Earth with satellites it could tell people when there’s illegal deforestation and they could go and plant trees. It could also scan the polar icecaps so people can see when they’re melting and try to prevent it.

“I’ve been interested in space for quite a long time and I really enjoy it. I get most of my information from books from the library or books I’ve bought and I definitely want to learn more. I’d definitely be interested in working in the space sector in the future.

“As part of Bethany’s prize, she spent a day with Steve Neaves, Creative Director at Hampshire-based branding and design studio Crux. Steve and his team had worked on Bethany’s original drawing to help create the final emblem that will blast into space. They explained how her design had been redrawn and digitised to enable it to be engraved onto the plaque that will be fixed to the satellite.”

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: “We all use space every day, from watching satellite broadcasts, using a mobile phone, to finding our way around. Data from satellites in space is even used for monitoring the environment and understanding climate change and it’s a big part of new technologies like supporting driverless cars through better connectivity.

“From missions to Mars, to understanding climate change or launching satellites, all this great work relies on more young people joining the space sector in roles such as engineering, law, science and philosophy and the UK Space Agency is working to inspire future generations to consider a career in the space sector. It’s fantastic to see so many people take part in this wonderful competition and our huge congratulations go to Bethany, Adam, Ava and all the runners up.”

ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer congratulated Bethany with a message from the International Space Station, saying: “I heard the brilliant news about you winning the Blue Peter space competition and I thought ‘where could be the best place to congratulate you from, but here in space’. I am currently on my own mission, and I have brought along the Blue Peter badge for the ride!“

Bethany’s emblem will be engraved onto a satellite that will be sent into orbit on the first launch from UK soil from Spaceport Cornwall this summer.  As part of her winner’s experience, Bethany will also win a Blue Peter Orange Competition winners’ badge, take control of a Mars Rover at Airbus in Stevenage, experience a trip in a driverless car supported by satellites and get to see behind the scenes at satellite testing facilities at Harwell Space Cluster, in Oxfordshire.

The satellite is a collaboration between the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and Airbus Defence and Space, and designed and built by In-Space Missions in Alton, Hampshire.

Wanted: Budding inventors dreaming up tomorrow’s world

Scots charity revives inspirational awards that help transform assisted living

An inspirational competition to bring tomorrow’s world to life has relaunched after a two-year break forced by the pandemic – and is also marking Blackwood’s 50th year enabling people to live independently.

The Scottish-based challenge has previously delivered a host of life aids for people who are ageing or have disabilities, including an app that helps make living spaces safer for people with dementia and a “spill proof” spoon for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.

Now the Blackwood Design Awards – which attracts entries from all over the world – are resuming bigger than before and hope to inspire a new army of inventors to get involved in the Dragon’s Den-style challenge with new designs, technologies and adaptations submitted.

Fanchea Kelly, CEO of Blackwood, one of Scotland’s most respected experts in specialist housing and care, said: “It feels incredible to have the design awards back – and we can’t wait to see the pent-up inventiveness that is about to be unleashed.

“Over the nine years since we created and launched the awards, it has always amazed us to see how varied the entries have been. From intricate, high-tech products to basic designs and ideas that simply haven’t been considered before.

“There is an entire world of untapped innovation out there. We’re delighted to be offering an outlet for that creativity and inventiveness again and feel certain we’ll be helping more transformative products to become a reality.”

The Scottish independent living specialist’s competition is open for inventions, designs and concepts that can boost independent living and enable people with disabilities to live life to the full.

The deadline for submissions in June 30.

This year’s competition will be judged the following distinct categories: Best Collaborative Project, Best New Concept and Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology.

The competition can be entered by groups or individuals and is open to both seasoned professionals and gifted amateurs, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.

Fanchea added: “The main thing we look for is the innovation to make a huge difference in helping those living with disabilities or age-related conditions to live more independently.

“Many previous entrants have gone on to achieve great things so it’s a fantastic opportunity for all budding designers out there”.

For more information or to enter, please visit www.bespoken.me or e-mail bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk. 

Blackwood operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, and invests in innovation and technology to help people live life to the full. The charity has already built two developments of tech-smart ‘Blackwood Homes’ in Glasgow and Dundee which use a “CleverCogs” digital system to make life easier for older people and people with disabilities

People looking to join can find more information at:

www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/peoplehood 

or by messaging: getinvolved@blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information, please visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

Miles Briggs MSP and Tómas get Pawlitical to be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022

On Monday 9th May, Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian and his sister’s five-year-old rescue dog, Tómas will compete with other politicians and their pooches to win the coveted title of Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022.

Following a three-year hiatus, dogs of all shapes and sizes, regardless of breed, creed or ‘pawlitical’ persuasion, will head to Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh with their two-legged MSP owners to see who will be crowned Holyrood’s top dog.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, the competition offers the unique chance for Miles Briggs MSP to show off the lovely, Tómas.

With the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic, this year’s event focuses on promoting responsible dog ownership as well as celebrating the unique bond between dogs and their owners. Not only is responsible dog ownership integral to improving dog health and welfare throughout Scotland, it also helps ensure the nation’s dogs lead happy and healthy lives. 

The event also encourages open dialogue on dog welfare issues with MSP’s having the opportunity to meet with dog welfare experts from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club.

Proud dog lover, Miles BriggsMSP explains: “Tómas is a Spanish rescue dog who had a hard start in life but has now become a much-loved member of the family and dog brother to my niece, Skye.

“Tómas puts up with me dressing him up every Christmas and he has a huge life skill of managing to find and destroy the squeak in any dog toy within two minutes.   

“Tómas is always super excited when you come home – he gives the best welcomes in the world.  He will always be a winner to me and proves very popular in Lothian when out campaigning and meeting constituents.

“This fun event will be a great chance to celebrate the essential work MSPs are doing to improve dog welfare in Scotland while highlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership.”

MSPs are also calling for their supporters to vote for their canine companions online in a bid to win the ‘pawblic’ vote. There will be additional judging on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, which will review the contestants on their good dog deeds and winning personalities. This will then determine which political pooch will take home the ultimate parliamentary privilege of the ‘Holyrood Dog of the Year’ title.

The Holyrood Dog of the Year 2022 competition starts at 10.00am on Monday 9th May at the Scottish Parliament Gardens, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX.

To vote for Miles Briggs and Tómas in the pawblic vote please click here:

thekennelclub.org.uk/hdoty 

– where you will also find the details of all the MSPs and their four-legged friends entered in this year’s competition. 

Competition launched to find the UK’s messiest student accommodation!

Are these the filthiest students in the country?  

Competition launched to find the messiest student accommodation in the UK

Students across the UK have been sharing amusing pictures of the mess and destruction they have created in their student flats, with the images showing chaotic bedrooms, broken furniture and kitchen nightmares.  

It’s part of a competition launched to find the UK’s messiest student accommodation by home and contents insurance provider, SO-SURE, with the winning students receiving a £200 voucher to spend on Just Eat, so they can celebrate over a takeaway guaranteed to cure any hangover.  

The competition ends on Monday 25th April at 12pm (UK time) and people can enter here.  

We all know students have a reputation for prioritising a night out over a tidy flat, so it maybe isn’t a surprise we already have some pretty shocking frontrunners. 

1. Sarah, Brighton University  

Sarah shared this photo of a kitchen after what looks like a fairly messy night out. We are not sure who landed washing up duties, but it can’t have been much fun on a hangover!  

2. Josh, Cardiff University 

Josh says this is a photo of his mates’ room in their student flat. This has to be one of the messiest bedrooms we have ever seen, maybe it’s time to invest in a bin? It’s not much, but it’s a start.  

3. Cassie, Bournemouth University  

You almost have to admire the chaos here, it’s like a work of art. Cassie shared this photo from her student accommodation in Bournemouth, we don’t know who the room belongs to, only that they are the ‘messiest gal’.  

To find out more about SO-SURE, please visit: https://wearesosure.com/.

If you have a messy flat and want to take home the £200 Just Eat voucher, share your photo with us here: https://wearesosure.com/blog/win-200-just-eat-vouchers-by-submitting-a-photo-of-your-messy-student-accommodation/    

National Winners Revealed In Royal Mail’s Heroes Of The Pandemic Stamp Design Competition

Chosen by HRH The Prince of Wales, the eight winning designs will feature on Royal Mail Special Stamps

 ·         The winners are:

–          Logan Pearson, Bury CofE High School

–          Isabella Grover, Creswick Primary School

–          Shachow Ali, Flint High School

–          Ishan Bains, Abbey CofE Infant School

–          Alfie Craddock, The Hereford Academy

–          Jessica Roberts, Flint High School

–          Raphael Valle Martin, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

–          Connie Stuart, Litcham School

·         The final designs showcase the children’s heroes from all walks of life; from bus and delivery drivers to food bank volunteers, NHS workers and vaccine scientists

·         The winning designs were chosen from 606,049 entries – securing Royal Mail a world record title for the largest postage stamp design competition

  • Over the coming weeks each winner will have a special dedicated postmark that will celebrate their achievement. The postmark will be applied to stamped mail delivered to addresses nationwide
  • All eight winning designs were approved by HM The Queen
  • The stamps will be available to pre-order from today (11 March) at www.royalmail.com/heroes and by phone on 03457 641 641.  They will be available on general sale from 23 March.

Royal Mail today revealed the winning eight designs in their Heroes of the Pandemic stamp design competition. 

The winning artists and their designs are: 

 Logan Pearson, Bury CofE High School 

 Isabella Grover, Creswick Primary School 

 Shachow Ali, Flint High School 

 Ishan Bains, Abbey C of E Infant School

 Alfie Craddock, The Hereford Academy 

 Raphael Valle Martin, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

 Connie Stuart, Litcham School

Last spring, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Royal Mail Chief Executive, Simon Thompson launched a special stamp design competition. School-aged children across the UK were invited to design a postage stamp featuring their own hero or heroes of the Covid pandemic.

The response was unprecedented. Having received a world record-breaking 606,049 entries, regional judges including retired teachers carefully selected 120 regional finalists. From this, a special panel of judges, including the Prime Minister and Baroness Floella Benjamin, picked 24 regional winners. The final eight winning designs were personally selected by HRH The Prince of Wales, with the finished stamps approved by Her Majesty The Queen. 

Entries from across the UK celebrated a wide range of heroes, including: NHS workers; parents; carers; cleaning staff; teachers; supermarket workers; public transport staff and delivery drivers. Also depicted on the designs were many volunteers who have helped in their local communities or raised money for charity, such as Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Simon Thompson, Royal Mail CEO, said: “As we approach the second anniversary of the first lockdown, it’s fitting that the nation’s children have taken the lead in celebrating the heroes of the pandemic. They have captured the resilience and determination of the British people in eight drawings. I think they look great!”

In addition, to mark their success, a special postmark will feature on stamped mail delivered to addresses nationwide. Each child will have their name included on their own congratulatory postmark over the coming weeks.  

This is only the fifth time in the company’s 500-year history that children have designed Christmas stamps.

The winners will receive £1000 in high-street vouchers and £1000 for their respective schools.

The stamps will be available to pre-order from today (11 March) at  www.royalmail.com/heroes and by phone on 03457 641 641.  

They will be available on general sale from 23 March.